Jan. 5: The Rangers, who are thought to have the inside track on signing Cone, have made an offer to the veteran pitcher and it's believed to be for one-year with a low-base salary, which could increase significantly if he reaches performance bonuses. The Rangers, if they sign Cone, are planning on making him part of their starting rotation. The Royals are also pursuing Cone, but they want to make him their closer.

Jan. 4: Wells wants to be traded to the Mets in the worst way, but the big fella might not get his wish right away. At this point, the Jays are balking at what is thought to be the Mets' current offer -- Glendon Rusch, either Donne Wall or Rick White and a prospect. Unless one side is willing to budge, this deal may have to wait or may not happen at all. Wells, who has one year plus a club option for 2002 left on his contract, has stated that if he's traded he would like the Mets to pick up the 2002 option and also tack on another year.